weathering and name change on kit

[eric halpin]

I have two questions here. I recently bought numerous Proto 2000 '50 ton emergency war hopper' kits for the L&N railroad. I want to gently and carefully remove the L&N and put another name on the cars. 1) What is the best way to get rid of the L&N without damaging the reporting marks or sides of the hopper? These cars were made of wood with outside braced steel supports. 2) What is the best way to realistically weather the sides and steel? Should the wood be a gray tone and steel rusty? I suspect the cars will be used for either stone or coal loads.

Thanks for your comments.
Eric